April
6, 2001
SENATE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 83
The Honorable Richard Romero and
Members of the Senate
Executive-Legislative Building
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503
Honorable President and Members of the Senate:
I have this day VETOED and am returning SENATE BILL
503, as amended enacted by the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001.
This legislation requires the Department of Health to adopt regulations for minimum nursing staff by October 1, 2001. While staffing ratios are an important element in providing quality health care to individuals who are cared for by nursing facilities, these ratios are subject to changing variables and therefore, must be open to adaptation. Accordingly, the intent of this bill, while laudable, is better handled by facility administrative procedures than agency rules.
Sincerely,
Gary E. Johnson
Governor
RECEIVED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE
GOVERNOR:
Time: _____________________
By:_____________________________
Secretary
of State
Date ______________________
Time:______________________
Date_______________________
By:_____________________________
Chief Clerk of the
Senate
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